Diploma of Christian Studies (Dip.C.S.)
About the Programme
This is a program of 60 Credit hours (12 compulsory courses and several elective courses) or 30 Credit hours courses (partial compulsory and elective courses) for non-graduates and graduates respectively. Graduating students may pursue B. Th. / B. D. or M.C.S. program accordingly, provided the necessary entrance requirements are met.
Compulsory | |
---|---|
Courses | Credit Hours |
Old Testament Introduction I & II
Old Testament Introduction I & II (6 cr. hrs.)Old Testament Introduction IThis is an introduction to the historical background of Pentateuch and the “former prophets”. The course covers the old testament canon, the foundations of Israel in the Patriarchal, the conquest and settlement in Canaan by Israelites and reasons for the establishment of the united Monarchy under David and Solomon and the subsequent division into two Kingdoms. Old Testament Introduction IIThe second part of this introductory course includes a survey of the minor prophetic, wisdom and apocalyptic literatures. The course covers the studies of the divided kingdom; the impart of the dominance of the Assyrian and Babylonian empires on the life and faith of Israelites, the incidents resulting the Exile and thereafter and their restoration before Maccabean War. |
6 |
New Testament Introduction I & II
New Testament Introduction I & II (6 cr. hrs.)New Testament Introduction IThis general introductory course covers the historical, political and cultural background of the Jewish people from 168BC to AD135. A comprehensive survey of the four Gospels including authorship, dating crucial issues and with special reference to the life and ministry of Jesus will be studied. New Testament Introduction IIThis course explores the growth of the apostolic church and the life and ministry of Paul. An introduction to Pauline Epistles and other writings of the New Testament, including the background, main themes and critical matters related to the crucial texts will be discussed. |
6 |
Christian Spirituality
Christian Spirituality (3 cr. hrs.)This course consists of the basic spiritual disciplines, which include the inward disciplines of meditation, prayer, fasting and the outward disciplines of simplicity, submission service, with major emphasis in relationship to God and in personal as well as corporate aspects of the Christian life. |
3 |
Exegetical Methods
Exegetical Methods (3 cr. hrs.)This introduces the principles of interpretation with special attention to both the content and context in the interpretation of words and texts in the Bible. Recent theories of interpretation are critically taken into consideration. |
3 |
O.T. Exegesis I & II
O. T. Exegesis I & II (6 cr. hrs.)Old Testament Exegesis IThis course is a study of structure, theological motifs and exegesis of the texts of the Pentateuch. Selected texts and portions from the Pentateuch will be studied. Old Testament Exegesis IA study of the institution and messages of the prophets. A thorough exegetical study of one of the selected prophetic books will be done. |
6 |
N.T. Exegesis I & II
N. T. Exegesis I & II (6 cr. hrs.)New Testament Exegesis IThis course is a study of the structure, and probable setting of Mark in relation to the other Gospels. That includes the outlining the argument of passages, doing word studies, validating exegetical decisions. New Testament Exegesis IIThis course mainly dealt with either Romans or Galatians. Areas to be studied include textual and hermeneutical problems and identifying the major themes of the particular Pauline epistle. |
6 |
Homiletics
Homiletics (3 cr. hrs.)This introductory course is to study the theory of preaching, including principles of sermon preparation, the nature and content in preaching. Different types of sermons will be prepared and discussed. |
3 |
Missiology
Missiology (3 cr. hrs.)This course is the study of missions in the theological base. Topics include the biblical basis of missions, the history of Christian missions and the principles of missionary strategy. The significance and position of missions in the local church ministry will also be explored. |
3 |
Theology of Worship
Theology of Worship (3 cr. hrs.)This course is to examine the biblical and theological foundations of worship, and the development of worship in church history to the present day. It also explores the theological implications of the Church Calendar, music, arts and the use of symbols in worship. Furthermore, the students are equipped with the skills of creative worship design and leadership. |
3 |
Elective | |
---|---|
Courses | Credit Hours |
Church Discipline & Leadership
Church Discipline & Leadership (3 cr. hrs.)This introduces the constitution, general rules, social principles, organization and administration and general services of the Methodist Church in Malaysia. Leadership concerns and its practical functions will be identified. |
3 |
Wesleyan Theology
Wesleyan Theology (3 cr. hrs.)An introductory course to understand the spirituality and the theology of John Wesley. Its purpose is to restore the distinctive Wesleyan heritage to the Methodist people. Attention will also be given to Wesley’s class system and meeting. Classic & contemporary Wesleyan hymns will be introduced. |
3 |
Christian Ethics
Christian Ethics (3 cr. hrs.)This course provides students with a foundational understanding of ethical considerations, including those related to gender and/or sexuality, women, and children, within the framework of Christian beliefs and practices. Through the study of Christian Ethics, students develop the necessary knowledge and skills to critically analyze and engage with gender-related and other ecclesial and social issues from an ethical perspective, fostering a commitment to promote social holiness, justice and peace within the Methodist community and the public arena. |
3 |
Malaysian Cultures & Religions | 3 |
Malaysian Society & the Church
Malaysian Society & the Church (3 cr. hrs.)This introduces the main social, economic, ethnical and political background or Malaysia society. It includes an historical formation of our society and the dominant contemporary social issues such as the vision of the nation. |
3 |
Pastoral Counseling
Pastoral Counseling (3 cr. hrs.)This course provides an introduction to basic counseling theory, in which students will be equipped as a knowledgeable pastoral counselor. It includes the basic counseling skills in terms of basic methods of interviewing and intervention. It also stresses the practices of counseling skills. This includes examination of oneself, and an experimental learning approach to integrate information with life experiences. Students may also offer case-study during class sessions to allow demonstration of counseling skills in terms of role play. |
3 |
Islam
Islam (3 cr. hrs.)This deals with the origin and history of Islam, its beliefs, practices, literatures, development and influence in our context. |
3 |
Christian Theology I & II
Christian Theology I & II (6 cr. hrs.)Christian Theology ISystematic theology is the subject studying the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. It will be studied biblically, historically, and contemporarily. This course covers the following areas:
Christian Theology IIThis course is the last portion of the Christian faith, which covers the following areas:
|
6 |
Church History I & II
Church History I & II (6 cr. hrs.)Church History IThis first part of Church History covers the missionary developments of the Church from the time of the apostles until the Renaissance. It includes the principal events and personalities in the early Church, Christian piety, the rise of monasticism and scholasticism. Attention is also given to the relationship between the contexts of the Church with the surrounding cultures. Church History IIThis second half of the course, which continues with Church History I is tracing the Church expansion from the time of reformation until present day. The course includes various movements of renewal and reform and the Church responses to thoughts of modernism. Student is required to study the history of his denomination or church tradition in the context of Asia. |
6 |
*Elective courses are subjected to change, depending on the availability of the courses offered.
Admission Requirements
Applicant can obtain an application from the School, and send it to the School with the following supporting documents:
- Full academic records / Certified copies of school / College/ University certificates
- One recommendation letter (Form obtainable from the school) from applicant's church pastor
- A personal statement of reasons for the enrolment to this course (500 words)
- A photocopy of identity card (IC)
- A recent passport-size photographs
- A medical report (Form available from the school)
Duration of Study
- Diploma of Christian Studies (Dip.C.S) is a 60 and 30 credit hours programme for non-graduates and university graduates respectively. Therefore, students should complete the courses within 6 years.
- Maximum 3 subjects in each semester.
For Further Information
For more information about the programmes, please contact +6084-321409/ +6084-330870 or email to tee@mtssibu.edu.my.